Soldiers with PTSD learn to sail and heal on P.E.I.

Eleven members of the Canadian military are learning to sail on P.E.I. this week to help them cope with injuries, both physical and mental.

They're participants in the Soldier Onprogram, which is run by the Canadian Armed Forces.

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Among the participants was retired Air Forcecaptain Kendra Mellish.

"For me personally, I can say it is calming," said Mellish.

"It is a wonderful experience just being out on the water, challenging myself with new skills, just being with veterans who understand mental health injuries and illnesses."

'Creating a bond'

Mellish served in the military for 27 years andknows the intensestress it can bring.

Her late husband, FrankMellish, died in combat in Afghanistan in 2006.She has a son who is currently serving in the military. Another family member who also served in the military took his own life.

It's a kinship you cannot have anywhere else.- Kendra Mellish

The four-day sailing program began Sunday in Charlottetown harbour.

Mellish and the other participants, all from the Maritimes, are learning to how to rig, sail and navigate keel boats, andto perform necessary safety skills, such as responding to a "man overboard."

"Just to be here with these fellow soldiers, it's a kinshipyou cannot have anywhereelse,"said Mellish.

"We're creating a bond."

Keel boats used for 1st time

For the first time in the Soldier Onprogram's 10-year history, participants are sailing in keel boats.

The boats withtheir distinctive rigid keels below the water line area common recreational vessel in P.E.I. waters.

A reception for the keel boatparticipants is slated to take place Wednesdayat Government House when the sailing course is done.

Organizers say they intend to bring the Soldier On program to P.E.I. again perhaps with a focus on golf or other outdoor sports.

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